Ministry, NAST at odds over sweeping reform plan
Summary
Nepal's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation plans sweeping reforms of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), aiming to reduce bureaucracy and political interference, sparking dispute with NAST officials over autonomy and governance.
Key Points
- Nepal's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation seeks to reform NAST by restructuring its governance and reducing administrative staff.
- Minister Mahabir Pun criticizes NAST's bureaucracy and political interference, proposing to replace the prime minister's chancellorship with an expert director.
- NAST officials oppose the ministry's approach, fearing loss of autonomy and bureaucratic oversight of scientific research.
- A complaint was filed with the CIAA accusing the ministry of undermining NAST's autonomy during the reform efforts.
